Walnut Creek police shoot, kill man holding pellet gun: What we know
Mother of man killed by Walnut Creek police speaks
The mother of the man killed by Walnut Creek police said her son had mental health struggles. Police said he came at them with what turned out to be a pellet gun.
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Walnut Creek police on Thursday shot and killed a 46-year-old man who turned out to be holding a pellet gun.
His mother said she doesn't fault officers, telling KTVU that he had a long history of mental illness and would often refuse to take his medication.
Restraining order against son
What they're saying:
Annie, who didn't give her last name, said she had filed a restraining order against her son, Anthony, whom she described as someone who could be violent.
"My son has a lengthy mental health history that he's not allowed to purchase a firearm," she said, guessing that her son was probably heading home, since she lives on the same street as where police shot him shortly after midnight outside 1907 Alvarado Avenue.
The area is not far from Buena Vista Elementary School and off Interstate 680, a normally quiet residential area.
Annie said she does not blame police for what happened.
"No, I absolutely do not," she said.
Authorities have not formally identified the man.
46-year-old man shot and killed by Walnut Creek police officers on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. His mother said she doesn't fault officers, telling KTVU that her son, Anthony, had a long history of mental illness and would often refuse to take his medica
Man looking into homes and cars
What we know:
Police responded to the scene after they received reports of a man in dark clothing looking into homes and parked cars with a flashlight.
When they arrived, officers saw a person matching the description, armed with what appeared to be a firearm, police said in a statement.
Police said they issued commands to the suspect to drop the weapon, but he did not comply, leading to the deadly police shooting.
Police later determined the man had a pellet gun, one that they say resembled a handgun.
Officers blocked off every street in the neighborhood leading to the home, where a body was covered.
A van from the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office arrived about 7 a.m.
Residents in the area reported hearing gunshots late into the night, and officers instructed them to stay inside their homes for safety.
The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.
Walnut Creek police block off 1907 Alvarado Avenue after police shot someone. Feb. 25, 2026
Walnut Creek police block off 1907 Alvarado Avenue after police shot someone. Feb. 25, 2026
Walnut Creek police stand by their cars at 1907 Alvarado Avenue after police shot someone. Feb. 25, 2026
Walnut Creek police block off 1907 Alvarado Avenue after police shot someone. Feb. 25, 2026